Cap construction



R E B u R G lm w CAP CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 19, 1969Fu/K Dec. 29, 1970 w. J. GRUBER 3,550,160

CAP cons'mucnon 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 19', 1969 United StatesPatent O 3,550,160 CAP CONSTRUCTION William J. Gruber, 9609 JustinPlace, Harrahan, La. 70123 Filed Sept. 19, 1969, Ser. No. 859,404 Int.Cl. A42b 1/02, 1/04 U.S. Cl. 2--197 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREAn improved cap construction of the disposable type formed of papermaterials or the like, comprising an upper crown and a head band havingfront and rear panels, a pair of flaps in one panel having opposing freeends telescopically slidable within each other thereby providing meansfor head-size adjustment, and size locking means which comprises apressure-sensitive adhesive placed behind an open Window near the freeend of one of the flaps. When the flaps are interengaged to an adjustedposition nger pressure applied to the non-sticky side of the adhesivebrings the adhesive n one flap into contact with the other flap forimmediate securement thereto. For additional securement, a secondpressuresensitive adhesive mounted on the second flap, opposite thewindow in the first flap, is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improvedarticle of headwear and more particularly to an inexpensive disposablecap construction having means for xedly adjusting the head size.

Participants in the food service industry, such as restaurants,bakeries, supermarkets, etc. find it customary or necessary to wear ahead covering in order to maintain the required sanitary conditions whenhandling foodstuffs or the like. Such headwear is desired to prevent orminimize the hair of the wearer from falling and mingling with the foodbeing processed or served. Certain industries other than the foodindustry also require adherence to strict sanitary regulations. Forexample, the so called white room facilities found in space-orientedindustries impose more stringent housekeeping and sanitation provisionsthan generally found in the food industry. Since head coverings aregenerally provided it has been found economically desirable to provideinexpensive headwear of the disposable type rather than having tolaunder and maintain the more permanent variety of headwear previouslyused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention deals primarily with anattractive disposable cap or headwear formed completely of paper orpaper-like materials offering an adequate measure of sanitary protectionin use. Because of its low cost the cap may be discarded after limiteduse or when the cap is soiled. The economics of discarding are favorablewhen compared to the substantially higher initial cost of a cap made ofa more permanent material such as cloth or the like when cleaning andmaintenance costs are included therein.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to providean inexpensive disposable cap designed for manufacture at low cost to bediscarded after limited use and thereafter replaced by a new cap.

Another object of this invention is to provide a disposable cap havingmeans for head size adjustment for accommodating wide ranges of sizesthereby reducing the inventory requirements of the consumer.

A further object of this invention is to provide a disposable cap of thecharacter indicated having means for ice securing the adjusted headbandso that it remains stationary after repeated use.

Still another object of this invention is to provide nexpensive lockingmeans of the pressure-sensitive adhesive type which is hidden from viewbut when pressed externally is brought into contact with an opposingslidable flap thereby xedly securing the headband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following description and claimsand from the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view of a cap construction in use comprising thesubject matter of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sheet of paper, or blank, from which theheadband of said cap is fashioned;

FIG. 3 shows the blank of FIG. 2 in horizontally folded condition with aglue line added;

FIG. 4 shows the folded blank of FIG. 3 in crosssectional end view on aplane indicated by line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and specilically illustrates theoverlying relationship between the pressure-sensitive adhesive and openwindow comprising the size locking means provided therein;

FIG. 5 shows the folded blank of FIG. 3 in crosssectional end view fromthe end opposite to that shown in FIG. 4, taken substantially along theplane indicated by line 5 5 of FIG. 3 and illustrates the position of asecond pressure-sensitive adhesive provided in a second ap for addedsecurement of the headband;

FIG. 6 illustrates the horizontally folded headband of FIG. 3 with atissue paper crown attached along the glue line provided at the upperportion of the headband;

FIG. 7 is an end view in cross-section, taken along the plane indicatedby line 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view with the flap portions cut away to revealthe pressure-sensitive adhesive, open window and internal construction;further illustrating the relationship of the flap members prior totelescopically interengagement of the aps;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the assembled cap comprising thesubject matter of this invention;

FIG. 10 is the cap of FIG. 9, in cross-section, taken substantiallyalong the plane indicated by lines 10--10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. l1 is a partial sectional View of the interior of the cap isadjusted condition showing cap size indicia printed thereon withinstructions for fixing same; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view, in cross-section, taken substantially alongthe plane indicated by line 12-12 of FIG. 1l and illustrates the spatialarrangement of the size adjusting means and size locking means providedtherein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings indetail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout theseveral views, the cap comprising the subject matter of the presentinvention is shown in perspective in FIG. 1 by the numeral 10. The capincludes a paper headband 12 and a crown 14 of tissue paper or the like.Although not shown, any suitable decorative design or indicia may beapplied externally to headband 12 for advertising or decorativepurposes. Headband 12 comprises spaced rear and front panels 13 and 15respectively joined at their longitudinal ends. When the panels areopened a substantially continuous perimeter for receiving the wearershead is provided.

Now referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, headband 12 of the cap 10may be readily formed from a pliable sheet or blank 16 made preferablyof a relatively heavy grade of paper. The blank 16 is generallyrectangular in shape having upper, intermediate and lower portions 18,and 22 respectively, extending horizontally across the entire lengthwith the upper and intermediate portions 18 and 20 being separated by ahorizontal fold line 24, and the intermediate and lower portions 20` and22 being separated by a second horizontal fold line 26; each of theportions 18, 20 and 22 being vertically subdivided by vertical foldlines 28 and 30.

In the subdivided area of the lower portion 22 bounded by fold line 28and left edge 32, a substantially square opening or window 34 is formednear the left edge 32, the purpose of which will be more fully describedhereinafter. Near the right edge 36 of lower portion 22 in the areabounded by fold line 30 and right edge 36, a pressuresensitive adhesivestrip 40 may be adhesively secured to blank 16 in substantial horizontalalignment with window 34. Adhesive 40 is preferably of thepressure-sensitive strip type having tacky surfaces on both sides. Suchmaterial is commonly known as double-back tape and is commerciallyavailable in art supply stores or the like.

Above window 34 in the intermediate portion 20 anotherpressure-sensitive adhesive strip 42, also of the double-back variety isprovided in substantial vertical alignment with the window 34. Thus,when lower portion 22 is folded about horizontal fold line 26 to aposition shown in FIG. 3, the window 34 will overlie and circumscribeadhesive 42 in a manner which prevents the premature adhering ofadhesive strip 42 during the size adjustment of headband 12, as will belater described.

It should be understood that although adhesives 40, 42 are preferably ofthe strip type any tacky latex adhesive may be used.

The headband 12 is formed by first folding blank 16 along the horizontalfold lines 24 and 26 to form a substantially C-shaped channel 46extending the length of the blank 16, best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Theresultant folded blank may be characterized as having an outer wallformed from the intermediate portion 20 and a spaced inner wall formedby upper and lower portions 18 and 22, the inner wall having aseparation or slot shown at 49, the purpose of which will be laterclarified. Thus, adhesive strip 42 is adhesively secured to the innersurface 48 of the intermediate portion 20 of headband 12 with itsunsecured tacky surface facing inwardly towards the open window 34. Theadhesive strip 40, however, is positioned on the inner surface 50 of thelower portion 22 of headband 12 with its unsecured tacky surface facingoutwardly as best seen in FIG. 5.

'Ihe crown 52 preferably formed from a trapezoidal shaped tissue blankis adhesively secured adjacent its bottom inner edge to the headband 12at a glue line 54 which is applied to headband 12 at 54. Alternatively,a glue line can be provided on crown 52. Any suitable glue or adhesiveof the remoistening or latex variety may be used. Crown 52 is alsoprovided with a glue line 56 along its upper end for sealing the crownafter nal assembly of the cap.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 the horizontally folded blank 16 with thecrown 52 secured thereto is then folded about the vertical fold lines 28and 30, forming a substantially flat rectangular rear panel 13 with theremaining Iportions forming flaps 60 and 62. Flaps 60 and 62, whenfinally formed constitutes the perviously described inner panel 15 whichtogether with outer panel 13 form headband 12. The flap 60 may beslidably telescoped within the flap 62 by inserting the one free end 32passed end 36 into the C-shaped channel adapted to freely receive same.Flap 60 is provided with sufficient length to prevent inadvertentremoval from the channel 46 prior to locking. The added length enablesany size adjustment to be readily accomplished by changing the innerperimeter of the headband 12.

As shown in FIG. 11, indicia 64 may be provided along the inner portionsof the cap as an aid in adjusting the 4 cap size. Referring now to FIG.12 it will be seen that the telescopic movement of the respective flaps60, 62 is possible with crown 14 secured to headband 12 because of theslot 49 provided in channel 46. By this arrangement the crown 52 canslide obliquely through the opening 49 without interference.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the nally assembled cap with the aps intelescopically interengaged condition and with crown 14 sealed along itsupper edge at glue line 56. An overlapping unsecured crown portiondesignated as A, is provided with the flaps 60, 62 permitting sufficientexpansion of the crown when the flaps are adjusted for size. However,since the top of the crown is secured, the center will depressdownwardly as the size of the hat increases, as seen in FIG. 1,resulting in a pleasing overseas cap appearance.

As initially assembled, seen in FIG. 9, headband 12 is provided with anadhesive-free area intermediate opposing adhesive strips 40, 42 andgenerally designated as B. As the flaps 60, 62 move outwardly in thedirection increasing the hat size adhesive 40 and 42 are brought in toopposing relationship wherein subsequent contact can be effected. Thus,any restraint imposed by the secured crown portion in opposition to suchexpansion can be effectively absorbed by the opposing adhesive strips,after securement. The enlarged sectional view of such securement isshown in FIG. 12. Such securement or locking is easily achieved bymerely pressing the flaps together at the position shown at 74 of FIG.11 thereby bringing in contact adhesives 40 and 42.

It should be emphasized that window 34 plays an important roll inseparating the tacky surfaces of the adhesives, thereby permittingslidable engagement of the aps. Headband 12 is generally constructed ofheavy gauge material so that its thickness is considerably larger thanthat of adhesive strip 42. Since the adhesive strip 42 is placed behindthe window 34 it will not extend beyond the thickness of the windowuntil it is pushed inwardly or the opposite surface is pushed outwardlytoward it. In FIG. l2 the adhesive strip 42 is brought into adhesivecontact with adhesive strip 40 when nger pressure is applied at 74. Ifthe window 34 was not provided or was of insufficient thickness thetelescopic size adjustment would be impeded with premature locking ofthe flaps occurring.

Further, adhesive strip 40 may be entirely eliminated where the strengthor holding power of adhesive strip 42 is sucient to permit locking ofthe flaps 60, 62 by the securing action of adhesive strip 42 on innersurface 50 of the flap 62.

From the foregoing description, it may be seen that a novel principle oftelescopic adjustment and locking has been introduced into the headbandof the present invention. This combination is especially important wherethe crown is without pleats or the like for expansion provided therewithtending to restore the ap to the unadjusted state. The locking meansprovided are hidden from view and of simple construction such that bymerely pressing on the inside of the headband securement is rapid andeffective. Hence, the cap comprising the present invention represents astep forward in the art of disposable headwear.

It should be understood that materials other than paper may be employedin the practice of the present invention, however, the cap is preferablyformed from paper material, since cost is a primary consideration. Nolaundering or maintenance is therefore required. Due to thenoncomplicated blank for both the headband and crown and the simplefolding operations employed in constructing the cap, high speedautomatic machinery may be readily used in producing this product.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved cap construction which comprises a crown, a headbanddepending therefrom and formed from foldable material having front andrear panels joined at their outermost ends and spaced apart intermediatethe ends thereby providing an opening therebetween for receiving thehead of a wearer; one of said panels includes size adjustment meanscomprising a pair of slidable flaps, one of said aps being adapted totelescopically receive the other flap for adjustment of the innerperiphery of the headband; size locking means disposed near the free endof one of said flaps including an open window and apressure-sensitiveadhesive mounted immediately behind said windowpermitting non-impeded slidable adjustment of said liaps, said lockingmeans being activated by iinger pressure exerted on the cap innerperiphery whereby said adhesive is brought into contact with theopposite flap through said window.

2. A cap in accordance with claim 1 wherein a second pressure-sensitiveadhesive is provided on the ap opposite the window and first adhesivepositioned to adheringly receive the first adhesive when said headbandis expanded.

3. A cap construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein each panelincludes outer and inner walls formed by rst horizontally folding theupper portion of the headband blank downwardly and the lower portion ofsaid blank upwardly thereby forming a substantially C-shaped channelcross-section and having a slot extending the length thereof forreceiving said crown therethrough, said flaps being formed inoverlapping fashion by folding said outer and inner walls about spacedvertical lines intermediate the ends thereof, the free end of one flapbeing adapted to slidably telescope into the free end of the otherthereby forming said front panel.

4. A cap construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said crown isformed from a tissue-like material and secured adjacent bottom edge tosaid headband, the upper edge of said crown being closed.

5. A cap construction in accordance with claim 3, said Window beingprovided in the inner wall of one of said aps with said adhesive beinglocated on the inside surface f said outer wall directly behind saidwindow.

6. A cap construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said secondpressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed in substantially horizontalalignment with the window on the opposing flap having its tacky side inposition to Contact the first adhesive.

7. The headband blank adapted for use with the cap construction of claim1, comprising a substantially rectangular foldable material havingupper, intermediate and lower portions each of which is separated byhorizontal fold lines, said lower portion being provided with a windowcut therethrough near one end thereof, said intermediate portion beingprovided with a pressuresensitive adhesive in substantially verticalalignment with said window which after folding is located directlybehind said window and adapted to contact an opposing slidable surfacefor locking purposes by the application of pressure.

8. The headband blank of claim 7 including a second pressure-sensitiveadhesive disposed on said lower portion near the end opposite of saidwindow and in substantial horizontal alignment with said window, saidsecond adhesive being adapted for contact with said first adhesive afterthe blank is formed into a cap.

9. A headband blank in accordance with claim 7 wherein said blankincludes a rear panel formed from the central portion of saidblankbetween the spaced vertical fold lines, and a front panel formed fromthe remainderof said blank including flaps, each having a free end inoverlapping relationship for providing size adjustment means.

10. A headband blank in accordance with claim 9 which when foldedincludes a C-shaped channel in crosssection, adapted to slidably receivethe free end of one of said fla-ps therein for length adjustment of saidheadband.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,955,098 4/1934 Shaier et al.2--197 2,669,725 2/ 1954 Haegele 2-197 2,856,608 10/1958 Wagenfeld2--197 3,027,564 4/ 1962 Wagenfeld 2-181 3,082,430 3/1963 Wagenfeld2--197 PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner G. H. KRIZMANICH, AssistantExaminer

